Garmin aera 500 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

Rated 4.26923076923/5 based on 52 customer reviews

Product description: $50 Mail-In Rebate. Promotion valid May 1st - July 15th, 2012 Mail-In Rebate Form - click here Garmin Aera Features Comparison Chart aera 500 Touch-screen convenience for less than $800 This entry-level model is an unbeatable value. Aviation features include: map page, terrain page, panel page, flight plans, VNAV and more. Auto features include: 2D or 3D map, turn-by-turn directions and full database with points of interest. The 500 also includes Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling in your car. Aviation and automotive features The new aera from Garmin will change the way you look at touch-screen GPSs. This series of compact GPSs is packed with cutting-edge features based on Garmin’s industry-leading expertise in both aviation and automotive GPSs. A completely new interface makes these the easiest-to-use Garmins yet: simply tap the icons to access the desired page, then drag your finger to navigate through each page. It’s also well-suited to the cockpit, with large buttons, minimal button-pushing, and a sunlight-readable 4.3” screen. Includes internal GPS antenna and internal battery. One Year Manufacturer warranty. Aviation Features Detailed moving maps with land data, airports, airspace, navaids and much more. Terrain page warns of nearby terrain or obstacles, including a side profile view. Comprehensive nearest airport screen shows airports, weather, navaids and more. Detailed airport information pages with runways, frequencies and more. Garmin’s famous panel page, with nearly real-time updates, is a great emergency backup. The aera 510 and 560 also feature XM Satellite Datalink Weather. Automotive Features Intuitive turn-by-turn navigation, with spoken street names. Millions of points of interest pre-loaded (hotels, gas stations, ATMs and more). aera 550 and 560 feature Garmin’s Lane Assist feature, so you never miss an exit. Media player and picture viewer keep you entertained on the road. New Accessories Also new with the aera are Garmin’s unique single wire mounts, one for your airplane’s yoke and one for your car’s dash. These organize the maze of wires coming out of your GPS into a single one. There is only one connection to the back of the aera, making it fast and easy to move from plane to car and back again. Includes: aera 500, yoke mount, automotive friction mount, vehicle power cable, battery, USB cable, pilot's guide, quick start manuals. Garmin Database Area of Coverage Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii) Atlantic International - Europe, Africa Pacific International - Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and the South Pacific (includes Hawaii)

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Detailed airport information pages with optional weather
Easy-to-use touch-screen interface.
Intuitive turn-by-turn navigation with spoken street names
Detailed moving maps with land data, airports, airspace, navaids & much more
Garmins popular panel page shows simulated instruments.
Terrain page warns of nearby terrain or obstacles, including a side profile view.

Specifications			Compare GPS Units
Display Size (H x W):	4.3 Diagonal	Display Type:	Color TFT Touchscreen
Terrain Alerts:		XM Weather / Radio:	No
WAAS:	Yes	HSI Screen:	Yes
VNAV:	Yes	Obstacles:	Yes
Runway Centerlines:	Yes	Battery Life:	up to 5 Hour Rechargeable Li-Ion
Traffic Interface:	Optional	Unit Size (H x W x D):	5.3"w x 3.3"h x 0.9"d
Unit Weight:	9.5 oz.	Jeppesen Database:	Full + ARTCC, Terrain Alerts, FSS freqs, and Final Approach Waypoints
Routes / Waypoints:	50/300	Basemap:	Americas, Private Airports & Heliports
Automotive Mapping:	Pre-loaded street maps of North America	Marine Mapping:

Garmin aera 500 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)
FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$649.00 after $50 Mail-in Rebate

Price: $699.00

ID #: 7889A

Overall Customer Rating

Read all 52 Reviews

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Accessories
Quickly add accessories along with your Garmin aera 500 Touch Screen GPS (Americas) purchase by changing the quantity for the accessories you would like to purchase.

	Avionics Screen Cleaners - $3.50 Passengers and copilots have a nasty habit of touching the screen of your GPS, multi-function display or radar (you're probably guilty too). These handy Screen Cleaners will remove fingerprints, oil and everyday dustwithout damaging your expensive avionics. Enhances visibility and keeps your cockpit looking like new. Each package contains one moist and one dry towelette specially formulated for use on aircraft electronics.
	Zaon Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS XRX Onyx) - $1,395.00 Portable Detection with Direction This portable unit provides excellent detection at a fraction of the cost of installed units. The XRX is the worlds only portable collision avoidance system to deliver target bearing information from within the cockpit. Features: 3-D view Quadrant Direction, 45° increments Instant traffic updates with no delays Completely portable and self-contained Digital range, scalable from 6NM to 1NM Audio voice alerts for threats and advisories Relative altitude, scalable from ±2500 ft to ±500 ft, with ascending/descending indicator Designed for metal, composite or fabric-covered airframes, high- or low-wing Displays top three intruders Semi-transparent, polycarbonate housing A built-in altimeter, a built-in compass, and built-in turn/bank and internal thermal sensing provide the highest, real-time accuracy available Built-in directional antenna Menu-driven interface, with selectable aircraft profiles and advanced calibration options Displays the local squawk code, pressure altitude, bank angle, bearing and temperature Integrates with third-party moving map and EFIS systems, including Garmin, Blue Mountain, and others. Simple menu-driven interface gives access to all configuration areas, including separate altitude and range settings, and two different display arrangements. Small size (4h x 3 1/2w x 2 3/4d) does not obstruct pilots view. A great supplement to assist in the tenuous task of scanning for traffic. Includes: Hard shell case, audio cable (for alerts through a headset), cigarette lighter power adapter, silicone gripper feet, VELCRO mounting dots, owner's manual on CD-ROM, quick reference guide. View Traffic on Your Garmin handheld: Use the optional Uplink Cable to display traffic information on your Garmin 396, 496/495, 696/695 or aera. "We think a Zaon XRX and a Garmin portable is the best solution." --The Aviation Consumer
	Mini Flight Gear Bag - $24.95 See all Flight Gear Products The perfect way to protect your Garmin Protect your investment with this compact, padded GPS case. Its large, 7 1/2l x 4 1/2w center compartment accommodates almost all modern GPSs, including: Garmin GPSMAP 196-496 and 96/96C; Lowrance 600C, 2000C and 1000; AvMap GeoPilot, GeoPilot II and EKP-IV. Soft lined interior prevents scratches on delicate screens, and an elastic strap keeps your GPS secure. Three zippered exterior pockets are ideal for storing accessories, like antennas, power cables and more. Finally, you can store your Garmin 496, XM antenna, GPS antenna and cigarette lighter cable in separate compartments! Measures 9 1/2l x 6w x 5h, so it fits perfectly under seats or in existing flight bags. Six year warranty.
	Dual Cigarette Lighter Adapter - $14.95 This cigarette lighter socket splitter is great for hooking up two electronic devices to the aircraft's power supply, allowing you to run your GPS and radio at the same time. Features a 90° pivoting arm and red LED indicator light.
	12V Cabin Power Connector - $19.95 Now you can plug your handheld GPS into your new Cessna's electrical system with this handy adapter. Simply insert the small end of the connector into the airplane's 12 volt cabin power outlet, then plug your GPS, radio or laptop into the female cigarette adapter end. The adapter weighs almost nothing, but will stand up to almost any abuse. Measures 8 1/2 in. long.
	Garmin Battery Charging Kit (for Garmin aera) - $64.00 Kit includes: Lithium Ion Battery AC Adaptor Charging Dock
	Suction Cup Mount (for Garmin aera) - $14.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Carrying Case (for Garmin aera) - $29.95 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
	Garmin Aera Uplink Cable - $149.95 This Uplink Cable allows you to display traffic information from a Zaon XRX on a Garmin Aera 500, 510, 550 or 560. Its fast and easy to set up. Traffic is displayed on the moving map page of your Garmin, just like TIS. The Garmin will even provide pop up alerts when traffic is deemed a threat. Requires a Garmin aera and a PCAS XRX ONYX with version 2.0+ software.
	Replacement Lithium Ion Battery (for Garmin aera) - $39.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
	Aviation Bracket with bare wires (for Garmin aera) - $69.95 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Bare wires are exposed for hardwiring into aircraft power source.
	Suction Cup Mount for Garmin aera - $39.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. The square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Suction Cup Mount Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Circle Base
	Garmin Aera 500-560 Panel Dock - $129.95 This ingenious system allows you to mount your portable GPS in your aircraft panel, making for a professional appearance (also great for homebuilders). Holes in the back of the Panel Dock have room for all cables and wires. Fits in a standard 6 1/4 avionics stack, and allows the GPS to be quickly removed for use outside the airplane. Includes mounting hardware.
	Extension Cable for Garmin XM Antenna - $18.89 Six foot extension cable for Garmin XM antenna.
	Garmin GA 25 External Antenna Suction Cup Mount - $11.45 This suction cup mount attaches to the external antenna for mounting on a glass surface. Compatible with GA 25 BNC/MCX GPS antenna (8032A).
	Glare Shield Mount for Garmin aera - $39.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. The square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Glareshield Mount Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Circle Base
	12V Power Cable (for Garmin aera) - $28.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Garmin AC/DC Adaptor (for Garmin aera) - $24.99 Use your automotive and aviation electrical accessories at home. Standard 110V plug with female DC connector.
	GA 27C Antenna (for Garmin aera) - $99.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Includes low profile antenna with suction cup and magnetic mounts, eight feet of cable, and MCX connector.
	Dash Mount (for Garmin aera) - $23.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Automotive Mount (for Garmin aera) - $34.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
	Garmin AC Adaptor (for Garmin aera) - $25.00 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Includes US (110V) and European (220V) adaptors.
	Garmin 396/496 XM Antenna Dock - $79.95 Here is the perfect companion to your new Garmin 396/496. Now you can move the XM antenna from plane to plane, or from vehicle to vehicle, along with the GPS itself. This Antenna Dock is designed to mobilize your costly 396/496 XM antenna. It helps to maintain the clean look of a permanent installation by organizing the antenna cable. To utilize the Antenna Dock, attach the base to your antenna and install the cradle in the necessary location. Using a simple twist & lock mechanism the base will lock your antenna into the preinstalled cradle, and your 396/496 XM antenna is ready to go.
	Yoke Mount for Garmin aera - $42.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. The square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Yoke Base Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Circle Base
	Beechcraft Yoke Mount for Garmin aera - $39.95 Lifetime Warranty These are simply the finest mounting systems available. Each features sturdy aluminum construction, a durable powder coat finish and infinitely adjustable rubber ball joints. Every RAM Mount carries a Lifetime Warranty. This square base has four pre-drilled holes at each corner. Ideal for mounting to the Garmin Aera series GPS units. Attaches to the Garmin cradle (not included). Includes: Beechcraft Yoke Base Standard Double Socket Arm Ram Square Base
	Portable Friction Mount (for Garmin aera) - $39.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Requires cradle (9374).
	Aviation Bracket (for Garmin aera) - $69.95 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units. Includes bracket with cigarette lighter, audio output, and XM output.
	Yoke Mount (for Garmin aera) - $49.99 Accessory for Garmin aera series GPS units.
Show All

$50 Mail-In Rebate. Promotion valid May 1st - July 15th, 2012
Mail-In Rebate Form - click here

Garmin Aera Features Comparison Chart

aera 500

Touch-screen convenience for less than $800

This entry-level model is an unbeatable value. Aviation features include: map page, terrain page, panel page, flight plans, VNAV and more. Auto features include: 2D or 3D map, turn-by-turn directions and full database with points of interest. The 500 also includes Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling in your car.

Aviation and automotive features

The new aera from Garmin will change the way you look at touch-screen GPSs. This series of compact GPSs is packed with cutting-edge features based on Garmin’s industry-leading expertise in both aviation and automotive GPSs. A completely new interface makes these the easiest-to-use Garmins yet: simply tap the icons to access the desired page, then drag your finger to navigate through each page. It’s also well-suited to the cockpit, with large buttons, minimal button-pushing, and a sunlight-readable 4.3” screen. Includes internal GPS antenna and internal battery. One Year Manufacturer warranty.

Aviation Features

Detailed moving maps with land data, airports, airspace, navaids and much more.
Terrain page warns of nearby terrain or obstacles, including a side profile view.
Comprehensive nearest airport screen shows airports, weather, navaids and more.
Detailed airport information pages with runways, frequencies and more.
Garmin’s famous panel page, with nearly real-time updates, is a great emergency backup.
The aera 510 and 560 also feature XM Satellite Datalink Weather.

Automotive Features

Intuitive turn-by-turn navigation, with spoken street names.
Millions of points of interest pre-loaded (hotels, gas stations, ATMs and more).
aera 550 and 560 feature Garmin’s Lane Assist feature, so you never miss an exit.
Media player and picture viewer keep you entertained on the road.

New Accessories

Also new with the aera are Garmin’s unique single wire mounts, one for your airplane’s yoke and one for your car’s dash. These organize the maze of wires coming out of your GPS into a single one. There is only one connection to the back of the aera, making it fast and easy to move from plane to car and back again.

Includes:

aera 500, yoke mount, automotive friction mount, vehicle power cable, battery, USB cable, pilot's guide, quick start manuals.

Garmin Database Area of Coverage
Americas - North, South and Central America (includes Hawaii)
Atlantic International - Europe, Africa
Pacific International - Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and the South Pacific (includes Hawaii)

Avionics Screen Cleaners

$3.50
Garmin aera 560 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$1,499.00 after $100 Mail-in Rebate
$1,599.00
Zaon Portable Collision Avoidance System (PCAS XRX Onyx)

$1,395.00
Garmin aera 510 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$999.00 after $100 Mail-In Rebate
$1,099.00
Mini Flight Gear Bag

$24.95
Dual Cigarette Lighter Adapter

$14.95
12V Cabin Power Connector

$19.95
Garmin Battery Charging Kit (for Garmin aera)

$64.00
Suction Cup Mount (for Garmin aera)

$14.00
Garmin aera 550 Touch Screen GPS (Americas)

FREE Shipping! - 2 day delivery standard
$1,149.00 after $100 Mail-in Rebate
$1,249.00
Carrying Case (for Garmin aera)

$29.95
Garmin Aera Uplink Cable

$149.95
Replacement Lithium Ion Battery (for Garmin aera)

$39.99
Aviation Bracket with bare wires (for Garmin aera)

$69.95
Suction Cup Mount for Garmin aera

$39.95
Garmin Aera 500-560 Panel Dock

$129.95
Extension Cable for Garmin XM Antenna

$18.89
Garmin GA 25 External Antenna Suction Cup Mount

$11.45
Glare Shield Mount for Garmin aera

$39.95
12V Power Cable (for Garmin aera)

$28.00
Garmin AC/DC Adaptor (for Garmin aera)

$24.99
GA 27C Antenna (for Garmin aera)

$99.99
Dash Mount (for Garmin aera)

$23.00
Automotive Mount (for Garmin aera)

$34.99
Garmin AC Adaptor (for Garmin aera)

$25.00
Garmin 396/496 XM Antenna Dock

$79.95
Yoke Mount for Garmin aera

$42.95
Beechcraft Yoke Mount for Garmin aera

$39.95
Portable Friction Mount (for Garmin aera)

$39.99
Aviation Bracket (for Garmin aera)

$69.95
Yoke Mount (for Garmin aera)

$49.99

VFR Sectional Chart

$9.00
Garmin Battery Charging Kit (for Garmin aera)

$64.00
Carrying Case (for Garmin aera)

$29.95
Suction Cup Mount (for Garmin aera)

$14.00
Gift Card/Gift Certificate Redemption

$0.00
Airport/Facility Directory

$5.30
Garmin AC/DC Adaptor (for Garmin aera)

$24.99
Aviation Bracket with bare wires (for Garmin aera)

$69.95
Garmin Aera 500-560 Panel Dock

$129.95
Mini Flight Gear Bag

$24.95
Headset Adapter (for all Sporty's Radios)

$26.00
12V Power Cable (for Garmin aera)

$28.00

Featured Reviews

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

100% (0)

Overall Rating

Average

Total Reviews

Recommended
(100%)(100%)

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Date - 5-27-2011

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Seemed to be fairly easy and strait forward to use strait out of the box, both flying and driving.

Cons

Some querks with the location of the body power/computer connection port (behind battery cover) - not the most convienient, but workable since it is would not be used real time that way.

General Comments

So far so good.

Date - 5-13-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Easy to use

Cons

battery life

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 3-26-2011

Pilot Rating - Student

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Very Easy to Use
Compact Size

Cons

Battery Life
Must remove Battery Cover to Charge - unless you buy auto adapter w/wall charger option
Touch screen is not 100% accurate
Map updates are expensive - relative to iPad ForeFlight app

General Comments

I got good value for what I expected for a reasonable price.

Date - 2-27-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Very Good Unit for the price

Cons

Battery Life is limited to 5 hours max

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 2-24-2011

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

This is why I buy from you guys. Boice Harper

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 2-17-2011

Pilot Rating - ATP

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

It's everything I ever wanted in an inexpensive aviation GPS. Didn't see the need of getting the XM weather. If it's forecast to go bad...I don't go!

Cons

Battery life!

General Comments

I bought the AC adapter for the helicopter and life is grand!

Date - 12-29-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 12-28-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 12-20-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

There is no automatic computer interface. When you USB the device to the computer, it is just recognized as a storage device.

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 12-8-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

Aviation database expired by 4 months when received and no free update offered for the aviation database

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 10-5-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Aircraft and Automotive navigation work great

Cons

Yoke mount does not swivel

General Comments

Wish I would have bought the 510

Date - 7-12-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 7-7-2010

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Color Touch Screen.
Pretty easy to navigate through screens.
Heading, GS, and ETA displayed on map screen.
Easy to zoom in and zoom out.
Pointer function can come in handy.

Cons

Lack of carrying case--Ended up buying a Case Logic case for an external hard drive that works great.
Lack of external battery charger--you have to buy this in addition to the unit.
If you are charging the battery through the unit, there is no external indicator that lets you know the battery has been fully charged.

General Comments

Overall I am very happy with this GPS. I have only used the unit once from KIAH to KAUS, but I have toyed with the unit extensively. I didn't go with the higher end units because I didn't want to pay for XM or AOPA safe taxi. If I am at an unfamiliar airport I can always ask for progressive taxi. Overall recommendation--good buy

Date - 7-7-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Highly interactive.

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-16-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

Date - 6-8-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended No

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

Display does not compare favorably to the 296. Poor resolution, the auto display is extremely poor.
Not intuitive, menus are extremely complex
Auto direction prompts were too late to take action.
Auto GPS can not be used in the city. My iphone does better. As a matter of fact, there are any number of iphone apps that perform better than the Aera 500.
Subscriptions are extremely costly.
Garmin customer service wait time excessive (45 minutes)
Limited display options

General Comments

A total disappointment.

Date - 6-7-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Easy to use menus; lots of settings for personalization; customizable alarms, warnings, etc.; the ability to switch between aviation and auto mode; all relevant info for aviation waypoints/airports is available at the touch of a button (frequencies, runways, etc.); the unit acquires satellites quickly.

Cons

The map updates were a little cumbersome (both aviation and roadway); no carrying case included; no A/C charger included, but the unit charges when attached to the PC via USB, so no big deal.

General Comments

Overall, I'm very impressed with this unit. It is exactly what I expected it to be. I had to keep the unit "awake" while doing the roadway map update by clicking on folders in Windows Explorer, but once I figured that out, it updated just fine. If I didn't do this, the update never finished! That was a pain, Garmin...

I haven't had the unit long enough to comment on durability, but I figure since it's simply going to ride in my flight bag until an emergency, it should last for years. It appears to have everything I need as a VFR pilot. Flight planning is straightforward and simple. The Direct-To function is easily accessible, and the maps can contain as much or as little information as I desire.

Switching to Auto mode is simple, and the maps there look and act like any Garmin GPS. The C-172s I currently fly have GPS built in, but knowing I have a backup in case of emergency is priceless. I would recommend this unit (or any of the aera line) to anybody.

Date - 6-6-2010

Pilot Rating - Commercial

Overall

Durability

Reliability

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Great product!

Cons

Battery life.

General Comments

I also purchaced the carrying case and the charging kit. The kit comes with an extra battery.

Date - 4-13-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

Easy to use.
Construction seems robust. But too early to comment on durability or reliability.
Touch screen navigation of the device is relatively straighforward and easy to learn.

Cons

The yoke mount is useless for a Citabria. Bought an aftermarket suction mount and that did the trick. The included friction mount is big and useless in a plane.

Not having an AC adapter in the package is silly.

Somewhat overpriced. But, that's true for all aviation GPS I'd say.

General Comments

So far, so good. Only used on one XC flight in a Citabria, to date. Performed as expected.
FYI, nuvi batteries and mounts work the the Aera and are much more readily available, locally.
Bought a Garmin AC adapter to allow charging/programing etc., away from the airplane.
Bought a second battery since the Citabria doesn't have a 12 V power plug.

Date - 4-9-2010

Pilot Rating - Private

Overall

Value

Usability

Expected

Recommended Yes

Pros

( No Pros Listed From Reviewer )

Cons

( No Cons Listed From Reviewer )

General Comments

( No General Comments Listed From Reviewer )

( No Reviews Found )

Page of 3

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